Coupe de France Round of 16: Teams Prepare Amid Cold Weather and Nostalgic Anticipation

On January 10, 2026, key Coupe de France round of 16 matches are set to take place amid challenging weather conditions and historic rivalries. Le Puy Foot will host Stade de Reims at the Stade Massot, where frost and recent snowfall have prompted the Fédération Française de Football to supply a heating blanket to protect the pitch. Julien Converso, Le Puy Foot’s sporting director, expressed relief, saying, "We were worried about the weather, but now we believe the match can proceed." Training sessions have been rescheduled to afternoons and moved to a synthetic surface as the team prepares under snow flurries. Meanwhile, at Stade de la Source, US Orléans faces Monaco in a match imbued with history. The teams last met in the 1980 Coupe de France final at Parc des Princes, where US Orléans, then a second-division side, lost 3-1 to Monaco. Former US Orléans defender Bruno Germain recalled the excitement of that final, emphasizing the overwhelming support of 10,000 to 15,000 fans and the pride in the team’s achievement despite the defeat. The upcoming match promises a full stadium and will be broadcast live on ICI Orléans radio. These round of 16 ties combine the logistical challenges of winter weather with the rich heritage of past memorable encounters, engaging fans across France.